When a pet is old, frail, sick, terminal, etc... its owners often make the decision to euthanise it to save it from a painful end to its life. If someone were to permit an animal in their care to die after suffering an excruciatingly long and painful death, they would undoubtedly be labelled uncaring and inhumane. Why should this sentiment not similarly extend or apply to humans in similar situations where they, unlike pets, can also have the capacity to [i]expressly consent[/i] to being euthanised?
Is it not more [i]inhumane[/i] to allow a fellow human being to suffer a painful end to their life?
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I would imagine because of the gray area involved. If you allow for one individual to dictate their end, what is there to say we all are unable to decide when to die? A depressed person might abuse this, even in clean health. The discussion should be less about "yes or no," and involve the specific parameters surrounding euthanasia. Should it be due to age, or also illnesses? Are there specific injuries, and what are they? How is it done, and is there a way for other's to say "no" when psychological health is in question? I believe it is something we should consider, and perhaps there should be the addition of this as a medical practice, since the Hippocratic Oath doesn't really align with this process.